Customer Reviews

Tails of Love

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a great anthology that is all about animal friends bringing human couples together. It's sappy and romantic, most romances are. It's a great summer read and it's for a good cause as all of the authors and agents are donating all of their proceeds to the Animal Adoption Foundation, a no-kill animal shelter in Hamilton, Ohio.

There will probably be a story or two that you don't like so well., but I'm sure that you'll find that most of the stories are heart-warming and great reads. Please support this excellent cause by picking up this great little book!

"Man's Best Friend" by Lori Foster

It's a rainy, dark night and Erin needs help with the puppy she saved. She reluctantly calls Gary Rutledge. Gary has been waiting for an opportunity to get close to Erin to tell her how he feels, so when fate steps in, in the shape of a needy puppy, Gary jumps at the chance.

In "Man's Best Friend" Erin and Gary long for the same thing and a poor forgotten puppy pushes them into each other's arms. "Man's Best Friend" is a quick love story about finally getting what you want.

"A Knotty Tail" by Stella Cameron

Two dogs, who want to stay in the home they've found with Rose Gibb, team up with a cat to get their owners together. Can this unlikely trio make everyone's dreams come true?

"A Knotty Tail" is a cute story told mostly from the animal's perspective. While I would prefer more human interaction, "A Knotty Tail" is a fun and romantic read.

"Norah's Arc" by Kate Angell

Houdini is one of the many animals in Norah Archer's petting zoo. Contractor Mike Kraft has had it with the trouble-making goat. However, the more trouble Houdini causes, the closer Mike gets to Norah.

"Norah's Arc" is more about the goat's antics than Mike and Norah's relationship. Mike is vey sexy and I would love to read more about their ensuing relationship.

"The Pursuit of Happiness" by Dianne Castell

Rex Barkley has a secret he's sure will drive his girlfriend Jane Louise Garrison away. But maybe Jane does love him enough to see past his differences to find the man behind the dog.

"The Pursuit of Happiness" is a southern tale with a paranormal twist about a southern belle with an eccentric family and a very unique boyfriend. The storyline is silly and a little old fashioned, but Jane and Rex do get their happily ever after.

"Atticus Saves Lisa" by Ann Christopher

Since her brother Keegan's devastating accident, Lisa Evans has denied herself her own life in order to care for him. Cruz Shaw is Keegan's best friend and he's determined to give Lisa back her life...with him in it.

"Atticus Saves Lisa" is a heartwarming and sweet story. Cruz is very sexy and very good to Lisa. "Atticus Saves Lisa" has a lot of emotion and a funny little monkey, too.

"Rescue Me" Marcia James

Adam Baumgardner was young and stupid when he gave his college girlfriend, Claire Mendelsohn, an ultimatum: come with him when he goes off to play pro football, or stay behind. Years later, a surprise meeting proves to Adam that he made the biggest mistake of his life, but has too much time gone by to win her back?

"Rescue Me" is a good title for a story about a lost dog and a lost heart. Adam and his unique dog get a second chance because of Claire's big heart.

"Lord Hairy" by Donna MacMeans

A supposedly wicked hellhound turns Hannah Waverly's life around when his true owner appears and takes her away from her wicked stepmother.

"Lord Hairy" is a good story, but too short. Just as things are getting started between Ashton and Hannah, it ends. Some stories are not meant to be short, and "Lord Hairy" is a story I would love to read at length.

"Danny's Dog" by Sarah McCarty

Kathy devotes herself to saving animals that have no hope. She pours her heart and soul into each rescue in an attempt to make up for not saving her son. Kathy is close to losing her husband Walt as well, but salivation may come from a dog that's lost a lot as well.

"Danny's Dog" is a heart-wrenching love story about healing and love. It's poignant and beautiful and really showcases Sarah McCarty's writing talent.

"Scaredy Cat" by Patricia Sargeant

Kendra's boyfriend is jealous of her cat Tom. So jealous in fact, he gives her an ultimatum: it's him or Tom. Now single, Kendra discovers that her neighbor Paul is more than a good-looking guy, he's good to her cat, too.

"Scaredy Cat" is told from Tom's and Kendra's perspective. They both are stronger than they thought they could be when put to the test. "Scaredy Cat" is a quick and cute story.

"A Man, A Woman, and Haggis" By Sue-Ellen Welfonder

Jilly Pepper has come to Scotland to fulfill her late grandmother's wishes. She didn't expect to have her own wishes fulfilled with the help of a ghost, a dog, some haggis, and a handsome Scotsman

Kiernan's sex appeal lies in his Scottish bur and his instant attraction to Jilly. His dog Haggis helps when he sends her his romantic note. "A Man, A Woman, and Haggis" is a fast-paced story that has the beginnings of love weaved in a romance from the past.

The group of talented authors in Tails of Love has put together a compilation of stories based on romance and their beloved animal friends. Some of the stories have the pets playing a more subdued role in the stories, which I prefer, while in others, the pets seem to be the real focus. Tails of Love is about people and their pets, and the compassion, healing, love, and strength they can bring into one's life.

Nannette
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

There are ten unique stories, with ten very different authors and editors alike all getting together for one cause - a no kill animal shelter in Hamilton Ohio. AAF will get all profits from this novel.

Inside you will find tales of cats, dogs, monkeys, goats, and few other furry friends all with on mission in mind to get their owners together with the love of their lives. When cupid wears fur he is very hard to resist! Come read the Tales of Love and see how the animals get the humans to fall in love. Lori Foster, Stella Cameron, Kate Angell, Dianne Castell, Ann Christopher, Marcia James,Donna MacMeans, Sarah McCarthy, Patricia Sargent and Sue-Ellen Welfonder all team up to bring you furry love in the Tales of Love anthology.

The fact that this is a non-profit book to help a no kill animal shelter is not the only reason you should pick up Tales of Love. Inside you will find ten very well written fun and exciting stories done by some of today's hottest authors. I particularly liked Lori Foster's Man's Best Friend. This is the story of Erin Schuler, a park ranger, who one night while working over time she meets a very unkempt puppy. He is in need of love, a bath, and good home. When her car doesn't work, she has to call her former best friend Gary Rutledge for help. The one man she never wanted to ask for help again. Gary though has been waiting for a second chance with Erin, now that he has it he never intends to let the woman he should have married go. This story was so great I didn't want it to end ever! And the puppy gets a name at the end of the story, I won't spoil it for you and tell you what it is but it's very fitting. This story will make you believe in true love and the power it holds.

You should pick up the Tales of love today and find your favorite story and tell a friend today, help promote a great cause and read some great stories!

"Tails of Love" is filled with stories about animals bringing human couples together. It's sappy, romantic, sweet, and occasionally sad, but overwhelmingly beautiful! It's unavoidable with anthologies that you'll probably find one or two stories that don't entirely appeal to you, but I was amazed to find only one story I didn't particularly like. The rest grabbed hold of my heart and squeezed, and I ended up sniffling with tears far more often than I'd like to admit!

You'll find everything in here from humorous historical romances to whimsical contemporaries, tragic (yet uplifting) modern tales to animal's-eye amusements. The only constant is the presence of animal companions determined to see their humans happy and in love.

All the stories were wonderful. They made me want to run right out and get a dog from the shelter.

I have been waiting to read this anthology for a while now and finally picked it up this weekend. In general, I love stories with animals and throw in some romance, I'm in book heaven. After reading this anthology, it was definitely worth the purchase.

Man's Best Friend by Lori Foster
4.5 stars - Erin Schuler worked late one rainy night and in her haste, stumbled over a wet, abandoned puppy. Anxious to take the pup home, Erin got in her car and realized it won't start. Having no choice, she called Gary Rutledge. The one man she had been avoiding for the past few months.

Imagine this being the last few chapters of a romance novel. Whatever problems the two had were summarily overcome with little fuss. The attraction and their love appeared believable since their past history was brought up often enough throughout the story. Great writing with great dialogue. A sweet, sexy tale.

A Knotty Tale by Stella Cameron
4 stars - Rose Gibb and Simon Falzone were next door neighbors and because of their shy nature, secretly admired each other from a distance. It was up to their dogs and cat to get these two together.

The short story was interesting since it came from the humans' and pets' POV. The writing was good and the humor made you smile. The dogs and cats were absolutely charming. The romance was sweet but could've been stalkerish if their feelings weren't mutual. But still sweet all the same. I wished it was a few pages longer for an epilogue. That was the main reason I gave it a 4.

Norah's Arc by Kate Angell
3.5 stars - All Mike Kraft wanted was to build his lot with no problems. Except the goat from the next door petting zoo was intent on ruining him. The goat's owner, Norah Archer, tried his temper with her wacky animals but her feisty nature intrigued him.

If this story was the normal length of 180+ pages, I would've given it a 4+, but as is . . . It was love at first lust but I wasn't sure why and when he fell in love with her. Other than that, the goat was the absolute best part of the story. His antics were so cute and funny and the way the hero handled each situation was swoon-worthy. Overall, it had great potential but it was not there just yet.

The Pursuit of Happiness by Dianne Castell
3 stars - Rex Barkley loves Jane Garrison. But he wasn't sure why she loved him. To prove her love, he told her a "secret" that could either break or make their relationship.

One word: weird. It was kind of silly for the hero to test his girlfriend by saying he was a werewolf. The plot revolved around this concept and the events to made her believe it was just strange. It didn't really make sense to me. My least favorite.

Atticus Saves Lisa by Ann Christopher
3.5 stars - Cruz Shaw has always loved Lisa Evans. However, Lisa refused to love Cruz in return because she doesn't deserve to feel love. Her main focus is take care of her disabled brother. After all, it was her fault her brother was in a wheelchair.

I love the honesty of the hero's love and attraction to the heroine and knew how to make her confront the true issues holding her back. Other than that, this story was overall okay. Nothing outstanding. A hot read.

Rescue Me by Marcia James
4 stars - Adam Baumgardner found an abandoned dog behind his restaurant and brought it to the nearest no-kill shelter. What he didn't expect that the shelter was ran by his former college sweetheart, Dr. Claire Mendelsohn. After meeting her again all these years, Adam realized what a huge mistake he made and there was no way he was going to let her go again.

Sweet and simple. All the characters were nice without any artifice. The plot was straightforward. For some readers, it might be a bit dull but I like it.

Lord Hairy by Donna MacMeans
5 stars - Hannah Waverly was not her stepmother's ideal lady but Hannah didn't care. After running into a huge dog on her walk, the dog instantly bonded with her and followed her home. Unfortunately, her stepmother didn't appreciate it and kicked Hannah and the dog into the stables and refused to allow Hannah to go to Lord Ashton's ball. However, the servants had a different idea.

LOVE IT! This is the only historical. And normally, I'm not a fan of historicals but this tale just connected with me. It was sort of Cinderella-type tale with a lovable dog as a fairy godmother. The hero and heroine were absolute sweethearts and matched perfectly for each other. Great dialogue and writing. Love the subtle humor.

Danny's Dog by Sarah McCarty
3.5 stars - Separated after the death of their baby, Kathy hadn't seen her husband, Walt, for six months. But now she needed his help with a dog she had rescued. But what Walt wanted was his wife back.

Usually I don't like these kind of plots. However, the writing and the characters drew you in. The emotional turmoil that the two endured will bring a tear or two to your eyes.

Scaredy Cat by Patricia Sargeant
5 stars - Thomas loved his owner Kendra Willis and doesn't think her current boyfriend deserved her. A few houses away, there was the perfect mate for his owner. However, a pack of alley cats were in his way. How was he going to get them together?

Absolutely adore it. I sincerely wished that this story was the usual 180+ pages because there was so much plot that could be fleshed out and maybe, a more satisfying romantic ending for the hero and heroine. But as is, it was still a riveting tale of a cat's true love and devotion to his owner. This was more or less from the cat's and Kendra's POV. The hero didn't get much action time and there wasn't a lot of romance. And the ending was open ended.

A Man, a Woman, and Haggis by Sue-Ellen Welfonder
3.5 stars - Jilly Pepper was in Scotland to fulfill her grandmother's death wish. What she didn't expect was to encounter a ghost and Kieran MacColl. Why did the ghost keep bringing Jilly and Kieran together?

The only paranormal story. It has a few appearances of ghost. But they weren't essential to the plot per se. This was pretty simple, predictable story. The cast of characters were nice and the writing, well done. But nothing special to make this story stand out.

The pages are about 30-40 pages long. So, it was a breeze to get to one story to the next. All the writing in this book were generally very good. No doubt about it. All the stories have a well thought out plot, considering the page limit. All the short stories revolved around any type of animal, not just your traditional cat and dog. There was a general mix to funny to hot to serious to sweet reads. So there is something for everyone. If you like romances that have engaging characters with cute animals thrown in, this is definitely up your alley. But if you are looking for plot-intense reads, skip it. It's an anthology after all. In conclusion, if you have the time and cash, pick it up.

A wonderful collection of short romance stories in which the love of animals affects the outcome of each tale. I recommend this book for animal lovers to keep in their own collection and to give as a gift to the other animal lovers in their lives. A portion of the proceeds from this anthologie are being donated to an animal welfare organization. This book is edited by the very talented Lori Foster, and it includes her own delightful animal tale.

These ten tails showcase the love of significant others whose stories make for fun engaging tales. None of the contributions are clinkers as most avoid the simplicity of cuteness only like when whether a male human competes with Houdini the goat for the affection of his woman in "Norah's Arc by Kate Angell or Dickens and Madeline debating eating flies and how to train their new pet person Rose in Stella Cameron's "A Knotty Tail". Lori Foster's "Man's Best Friend" proves a puppy is also a woman's best friend. Readers will appreciate these four legged romances as the stars demonstrate why they are the significant others of their respective pet persons; affirmed by the monkey "Atticus saves Lisa" by Ann Christopher.

Harriet Klausner